Jellyfin, Emby, and Kodi are the strongest Plex alternatives to consider on Google TV, but they fit different setups. Jellyfin and Emby use a server-and-client model: you host a media server and use the TV app to access it. Kodi is a media-center app for local or network playback, not a demonstrated like-for-like replacement for Plex’s centralized server workflow. The right choice depends on whether you want to run a server and whether your device can play your media directly.
Which Plex alternative fits your Google TV setup?
| Option | How it works | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Jellyfin | A server-and-client setup; its Android TV app requires a Jellyfin server to be running. | People who want a free, open-source media-server project and are prepared to host a server. |
| Emby | An Android TV client connects to a local Emby Server or a remote server. | People who want an app that can discover a local server or connect to a remote one. |
| Kodi | A media-center app for local or network media playback. | People whose goal is playback in a media-center app rather than a centralized server serving multiple clients. |
These are different roles, not a measured ranking. Available product documentation does not establish a universal winner or prove feature parity with Plex. The comparison below is based on the products’ published descriptions, not hands-on testing.
Jellyfin: a free, open-source server-and-client option
Jellyfin describes its software as a free, open-source media server. Its official Android TV companion app is available through Google Play, and the app requires a Jellyfin server to be set up and running. That means installing the TV app alone is not enough to provide a library: you also need a computer or other suitable host running the server.
The listing says Live TV and recorded shows require additional hardware or services. Those features are therefore not simply included by installing the TV app. Jellyfin also publishes hardware-selection guidance for people choosing a server host, but a particular NAS, storage capacity, or drive is not a universal requirement. An existing computer or suitable storage may be enough for your setup.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Emby: connect the TV app to a local or remote server
Emby’s Android TV documentation says the app can be installed from an Android TV device’s app store or Google Play. It can discover a local Emby Server or connect manually to a remote one; Emby also documents Emby Connect as a remote-access route.
Playback depends on the media and equipment, not just the app. Emby says the server can transcode media that the client cannot play directly. Whether direct play works depends on the client device and connected audio equipment, and factors such as media format and streaming bitrate also matter. If you have unusual codecs, high-bitrate files, or specific audio formats, check the requirements for your exact TV device, server, and audio setup in Emby’s playback documentation before choosing it.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Kodi: a media-center app, not the same server model
Kodi provides an Android download for use on Android devices, including compatible TV devices. It is worth considering if you want a media-center app to play local or network media.
That role differs from a centralized server with apps on multiple client devices. The available Kodi documentation establishes an Android download, but does not demonstrate that Kodi matches Plex’s server-and-client workflow. Choose it for the media-center use case rather than assuming it replaces every part of a Plex setup.
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Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Check Google TV availability on your device
Google says apps can be downloaded from Google Play on Google TV and Android TV. However, app availability and device features can depend on the device, country, and language. Google’s overview, How Google TV & Android TV work, is useful background, but it is not a guarantee that every app will be available on every product sold as a TV.
- Search for the individual app in Google Play on your TV or check its listing for the device you plan to use.
- Confirm that your TV or streaming device runs a compatible Android TV or Google TV environment; the general platform label alone does not establish app compatibility for every model.
- For Jellyfin or Emby, confirm separately that you can run the corresponding server and connect it from the TV.
Choose based on server needs and playback
If you do not want to host a server
Jellyfin’s documented Android TV workflow requires a running server, and Emby’s Android TV app is a client for an Emby Server. Kodi is the option among these three to consider when your aim is media-center playback of local or network media rather than managing a server for several clients.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
If you want one library for multiple clients
Jellyfin and Emby are the candidates in this comparison because both document server-and-client workflows. Plan for a host computer or other suitable server, and check the setup instructions for the product you select. The available sources do not establish which one is easier to configure or better for remote access overall.
If your files use demanding formats or audio
Prioritize compatibility checks. A file that a client cannot play directly may need server transcoding in Emby, and the outcome depends on the client, file format, connected audio equipment, and bitrate. Verify your own combination rather than assuming that the TV app alone determines playback.
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Best Value
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
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- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
What to have ready before setup
- A playback device: Confirm the app is available for your particular Google TV or Android TV device.
- A server host for Jellyfin or Emby: Use a computer or other suitable hardware that can run the server. A NAS is optional, not a requirement established for every user.
- Media and network access: Decide whether the library will be local or remote. Emby documents local server discovery and remote connection routes; the available Jellyfin app listing confirms a server prerequisite but does not establish a comparative remote-access setup.
- Format compatibility: Check the TV, audio equipment, media formats, and server capability together if direct playback matters.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
